S. Korean toddler song jumps into British music chart

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SEOUL -- It was not from albums released by BTS or any other South Korean bands with global recognition but a catchy cartoon song for toddlers that gained an unexpected spot in Britain's professional music chart.

"Baby Shark", a YouTube song created by South Korea's education and entertainment startup, SMART STUDY, took the 65th place in the single chart operated by Britain's Official Charts Company for the last week of August.

The cartoon animation song, dubbed the toddler's version of Psy's "Gangnam Style", depicts a story about a family of great white sharks with colorful visuals and a catchy melody. The original version, uploaded in late 2015, has made a phenomenal hit worldwide, garnering 1.6 billion views on YouTube.

"Baby Shark" has tens of versions in many languages, and it is now one of the most watched videos on YouTube.

The conservative opposition Liberty Korea Party created a campaign song in local elections in June, based on the tune of "Baby Shark", despite a protest by SMART STUDY.

SMART STUDY said the song should not be used as a political tool, but the opposition party argued it has secured approval from Johnny Only, an American composer who claimed to be the original creator. SMART STUDY and Johnny Only are now locked up in a copyright suit.